If an Aw franchisee fails to attend a conference, must they still pay the conference fee?
Aw Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
| TYPE OF FEE1,3 | AMOUNT | DUE DATE | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|---|
| conference. | conference, and if you fail to do so, the conference fee must still be paid to us. You are responsible for your travel expenses. |
Source: Item 6 — OTHER FEES (FDD pages 13–16)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aw's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to pay a conference fee, and if they fail to attend the conference, the fee must still be paid to Aw. Franchisees are also responsible for their own travel expenses to and from the conference. This policy means that even if an Aw franchisee cannot attend the conference for any reason, they will not be able to recoup the conference fee.
This type of policy is not uncommon in franchising, as mandatory conferences are often seen as important for training, networking, and maintaining brand standards. Franchisors like Aw may use these conferences to disseminate important information, introduce new products or services, and provide a forum for franchisees to share best practices. Requiring franchisees to pay the fee regardless of attendance ensures that the franchisor can cover the costs of organizing the conference.
Prospective Aw franchisees should consider this policy when evaluating the overall costs of the franchise. They should inquire about the frequency and location of these conferences, as well as the estimated cost of travel and accommodation. It would also be prudent to understand the specific benefits of attending the conference and the potential consequences of not attending, beyond just the financial cost of the fee. Understanding these details will help a franchisee budget appropriately and make an informed decision about investing in an Aw franchise.